Sydney is famous for its iconic harbor, stunning scenery, and vibrant food scene, but did you know it’s also a fantastic gateway to some of Australia’s best wine regions? The city’s proximity to the Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands, and beyond makes it ideal for memorable wine tours. Whether you’re into gourmet tastings led by chefs or wildlife encounters combined with boutique wineries, Sydney offers a wide variety of options. We particularly love the Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour for its culinary focus, and the Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour for blending nature with wine in a small-group setting. For a mix of luxury and wildlife, the Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour hits the spot. Each experience offers something unique—and all make it easy to escape the city for a day of tasting and discovery.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a broad spectrum of wine tours in Sydney, including full-day gourmet experiences led by professional chefs, intimate small-group wildlife and wine trips, and private luxury tours. Some tours pair wine tastings with chocolate, cheese, or spirits, while others focus on natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Whether you prefer a lively group or an exclusive private outing, you’ll find options that match your style. Now, let’s get into the details of each top-rated experience.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
- 2. Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney
- 3. Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
- 4. Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney
- 5. From Sydney: Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch
- 6. Sydney: Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Small Group Tour
- 7. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine, Gin & Food Tastings Tour
- 8. Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney
- 9. Paint and Sip Classes Sydney: Acrylic Art, Canvas & Wine
- 10. Hunter Valley Wines, 2-Course Lunch, Cheese & Chocolate Tour
- 11. Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 3 Tastings and Garden Lunch
- 12. Hunter Valley Highlights Private Wine Tour from Sydney
- 13. Sydney: Chef-Led Hunter Valley Food & Wine Tour
- 14. From Sydney: All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour
- 15. Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney
- How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Sydney
1. Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
At number 1, this full-day gourmet tasting tour takes you into the heart of Hunter Valley with a professional chef guiding the way. It includes visits to boutique wineries, a stop at the Sydney Fish Market for fresh seafood, and a picturesque Hawkesbury River oyster tasting. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and multiple wine tastings—all included in the price. The highlight is the chef’s expertly matched food pairings, which elevate the experience beyond typical winery visits. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 728 reviews, often praising Jimmy’s culinary skills and friendly demeanor. It’s perfect for foodies who want a guided adventure combining wine, seafood, and fine dining in one day. Expect a well-paced trip with plenty of local flavor, making it a great value at $198.68.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who love gourmet food, want a guided experience, and appreciate a full-day exploration with hotel pickup. It’s a bit pricier but offers top-tier food and wine pairing.
2. Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney
Coming in at number 2, this small-group luxury tour combines two of Hunter Valley’s best features: wildlife and wine. Led by a guide with over 12 years of experience, it includes visits to the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas—though you can’t hold them in NSW—and stops at boutique vineyards like Fat Cow for cheese, olive oils, and chocolates. The tour offers a relaxed, personalized experience with a focus on native Australian wildlife and high-quality wine tastings. Tasting fees are extra, but reviews consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and the memorable encounters with wildlife. For $89.66, it offers a very affordable way to enjoy a full day away from Sydney while savoring local flavors and Australian animals.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a smaller, intimate experience that combines wildlife viewing with boutique wine tastings in a relaxed setting.
3. Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
Number 3 on our list is this comprehensive full-day trip blending stunning coastal scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife with wine. It visits Royal National Park, Symbio Wildlife Park, and Morton National Park, where you can enjoy an easy hike to admire a waterfall. You’ll get to hang out with koalas, feed kangaroos, and then relax with boutique wine tastings and seaside lunch. The small-group size of 11 travelers ensures personalized attention, and the scenic drive along the coast adds to the experience. The reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and the variety of activities packed into a 11-hour day. Expect a good mix of nature, wildlife, and wine for $268.97.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a full-day adventure exploring Australia’s natural beauty alongside wine tasting.
4. Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney
Number 4 features a small-group day trip that focuses on wine, spirits, and gourmet treats. You visit three wineries and a gin/vodka distillery, with guided tastings of wine, cheese, chocolate, and spirits. The tour includes a scenic lunch with views of Hunter Valley, making it a relaxed and flavorful experience. Reviews rave about the guide Drew (or Dave), who makes the day enjoyable and informative. The tour is priced at $161.38, offering excellent value given the multiple tastings and personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for those who want a diverse tasting experience without driving.
Bottom line: Great for those who love a mix of wine, spirits, cheese, and chocolate, all wrapped into a small-group setting with scenic lunch views.
5. From Sydney: Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch
Number 5 offers a full-day tour exploring Hunter Valley’s top wineries with guided behind-the-scenes tours, plus wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings. It includes a local restaurant lunch with wine and a visit to a secret spirits stop. It’s a well-balanced itinerary at around 11 hours, with flexible meeting points and a friendly guide. The reviews point out the value of the tour, especially for those interested in the winemaking process. With a focus on white and red wine varieties, it appeals to serious wine lovers wanting an immersive experience for a mid-range price.
Bottom line: Best suited for visitors keen on learning about wine production and tasting a variety of local wines.
6. Sydney: Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Small Group Tour
Rated 4.9/5, this small-group tour offers a personalized day featuring kangaroos, koalas, and sweeping coastal views. You’ll visit a beachside café for lunch and hike to scenic waterfalls and sandstone gorges. It caters to active travelers who want a well-rounded experience of wildlife plus wine tasting at a boutique Southern Highlands winery. The guide’s local knowledge and the small group create a friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among reviewers.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a mix of wildlife, nature, and boutique wine tasting in a small, intimate group.
7. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine, Gin & Food Tastings Tour
Number 7 offers an all-inclusive day visiting three wineries and distilleries, with guided tours and tastings of wines, gins, and chocolates. It includes a relaxed lunch with wine or beer and covers a full itinerary of tastings and sightseeing. For around 11.5 hours, this tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive experience of Hunter Valley’s beverages. The guide’s expertise and the central pickup make it a hassle-free day.
Bottom line: Best for those who want to explore both wine and spirits, with a focus on guided tastings and a relaxed pace.
8. Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney
Number 8 is a day dedicated to wine and cheese, with up to 20 varieties sampled directly from cellar doors. It includes a café lunch and visits to boutique wineries, with transfers from central Sydney. The tour is praised for its relaxed style and the chance to purchase wines directly from producers. For $168.55, it’s a good value for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts who want a tasting-focused day.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want to indulge in a wide array of wines and artisan cheeses, with the convenience of hotel transfers.
9. Paint and Sip Classes Sydney: Acrylic Art, Canvas & Wine
While not a traditional wine tour, this paint and sip class combines art with wine for a fun, creative evening. It’s a short, 2-hour session with all materials provided, ideal for a relaxed night out. The reviews indicate a positive atmosphere, suitable for beginners and casual participants. It’s priced at just $56.66.
Bottom line: Perfect for a casual, artistic night if you want to combine creativity with a glass of wine.
10. Hunter Valley Wines, 2-Course Lunch, Cheese & Chocolate Tour
Number 10 is a full-day experience that combines wine tastings at historic wineries with a 2-course lunch, cheese, and chocolate tastings. It’s a premium day with a focus on gourmet food and wine, costing about $157.79. The reviews mention the scenic drive, tasty lunch, and the variety of tastings, making it a solid choice for food and wine lovers.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a gourmet-focused day with a mix of wine, chocolate, and cheese.
11. Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 3 Tastings and Garden Lunch
At number 11, this smaller group tour emphasizes boutique wineries, personalized service, and a garden lunch. It includes exclusive tastings and visits to local artisans, ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The reviews commend the guide’s expertise and the quality of the wines.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a refined, boutique experience with a local touch.
12. Hunter Valley Highlights Private Wine Tour from Sydney
Number 12 is the most exclusive experience on our list—a private, fully customizable tour. With a $700 price tag per person, it offers tailored visits to boutique wineries and gourmet food producers. The detailed itinerary includes historic sites, wine tastings, and gourmet cheese stops. The private format is perfect for celebrating special occasions or travelers who want undivided attention.
Bottom line: Best for luxury travelers or special celebrations seeking an exclusive, tailored experience.
13. Sydney: Chef-Led Hunter Valley Food & Wine Tour
This chef-led foodie tour combines early visits to the Sydney Fish Market with a drive into wine country for expertly paired food and wine tastings. Led by a professional chef, it offers a culinary focus with a full day of gourmet experiences. The reviews highlight the quality of the food and the engaging guide. Price details aren’t specified, but it’s an excellent choice for food-centric travelers.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a culinary-focused day, with expert pairing and fresh seafood.
14. From Sydney: All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Number 14 is an all-inclusive luxury tour with exclusive access to boutique wineries, expert sommelier guidance, and premium tastings. It includes a lakeside lunch with a complimentary glass of wine, making it perfect for a luxurious day out. The small group, with a maximum of 14, guarantees intimacy and personalized service.
Bottom line: Best for luxury travelers seeking exclusive access and high-end tastings.
15. Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney
Finally, number 15 offers a small-group day trip to the Southern Highlands. It focuses on pinot noir, chardonnay, and riesling, with visits to three top wineries and a hearty lunch at an historic inn. Rated 5 stars, it’s ideal for wine lovers interested in tasting some of Australia’s finest wines in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a focused, premium wine experience in a quieter region close to Sydney.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Sydney
When selecting a wine tour, consider your priorities: Are you after gourmet food? Do you want to see wildlife along the way? Or maybe a private, luxury experience is more your style. For culinary delights, the Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour stands out, while wildlife fans will enjoy the Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour. Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour, which offers excellent value at under $100.
Consider the length of the tour and what’s included—some focus on tasting, others on sightseeing or private access. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular dates and private tours. Think about your fitness level if hiking or outdoor activities are part of the itinerary.
From gourmet food tours with chef-led tastings to wildlife encounters combined with boutique wineries, Sydney offers a wide array of ways to explore Australia’s renowned wine regions. Whether you want a luxurious private experience or a lively group adventure, there’s a perfect match waiting. Make sure to book early, check the itinerary details, and enjoy your taste of Australia’s best wines and foods.
